Conquer the
Western Ghats.
Explore Kerala's verified forest trails. Ascend mist-shrouded peaks, navigate riparian waterfalls, and experience signature bamboo rafting in biological sanctuaries.
Signature Expeditions
Move beyond standard tourist paths. Experience dawn-to-dusk bamboo rafting and overnight camping trails guided by experienced local trackers.
Panoramic Lake & Forest Views
Bamboo Rafting — Full Day Trek & Raft
Traverse some of the richest forest tracts of Periyar. You will hike through a mosaic of habitats before boarding traditional bamboo rafts.
Full Day Trekking & Rafting
This is a dawn-to-dusk range hiking and rafting program through some of the richest forest tracts of Periyar. Starting at 8 am from the boat landing, a mosaic of habitats will be traversed before the party gets into rafts made of bamboos. The forests are rich in bird life and arboreal animals like giant squirrel and Nilgiri langur. Rafting lasts for about three hours and one get a panoramic view of forest-clad hills reflected on the lake. Animals like elephant, gaur and Sambar are sighted keeping close to the edges of the lake. The team hitchhikes back to the boat landing by about 5 pm. An armed guard and 4 guides will accompany a maximum of 15 tourists. Tea, snacks and packed lunch will be served en route. This package is an excellent program for semi-serious nature lovers to feel the beauty of Nature.
Rules & Notes
- Minimum of 2 persons required per trek. Minimum rate is applicable if the number of persons is less than 2.
- Children below 12 years are NOT allowed for this program.
- Kindly report 15 minutes before the commencement of the program.
- Park Entry & bus charges will be extra. Starting location - Boat landing.
- Mandatory to wear life jackets during the rafting.
- Animal sightings are a matter of chance, be Patient. Please do not litter the surroundings.
- Treat the wilderness area with respect. Give way to animals first.
- Appreciate the colour and sounds of nature. Dress in colours that blend with the natural environment. Take pictures, but without disturbing wildlife. Respect local customs.
- Keep a reasonable distance from wild animals, and do not provoke them.
- Dispose waste responsibly: carry back all non-biodegradable litter, and leave campsites litter-free before departing.
- When in a vehicle, remember wild animals have right of way. Keep to the speed limit, don’t use the horn, and do not startle animals.
- Do not talk loudly or play loud music. Do not get out of the vehicle or approach wild animals. Do not approach animals closer than 15 m or disturb them while they are resting.
- Do not take away flora and fauna in the form of cuttings, seeds or roots. Do not feed wild animals. Do not stop the vehicle not more than 5 minutes in the reserve.
- Do not light fires, or smoke inside protected areas. Accidental forest fires cause irreparable damage.
- Carrying of guns, fire arms, inflammable materials are strictly prohibited, as per the provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and is punishable by law.
- Obey the instructions of staff and guides.
Periyar Tiger Trail — 2 Nights / 3 Days
You will be guided by a hardy, dependable team who know the forest intimately. They were once former poachers who have undergone a remarkable transformation to become protectors.
Camping & Trekking Program
In the Tiger Trail, nature lovers are in the hands of a team of guides hardy and dependable who know the forest and its ways intimately. They were once poachers who have been transformed into the protectors of the forest. This is an adventurous camping and trekking program of one-night – two-days and two-nights – three-day duration. The team consists of a maximum of 6 visitors, 5 guides and one forest official.
Rules & Notes
- Minimum 2 persons are required per program. Minimum rate is applicable if the number of persons is less than 2.
- Only 2 persons allowed per tent (Maximum 6 tourists). Children below 12 years are NOT allowed for this program.
- Kindly report 15 minutes before the commencement of the program.
- Park Entry & bus charges will be extra. Starting location - Forest check post Ex vayana EDC office.
- Mandatory to wear life jackets during the water crossings.
- Animal sightings are a matter of chance, be Patient. Please do not litter the surroundings.
- Treat the wilderness area with respect. Give way to animals first.
- Appreciate the colour and sounds of nature. Dress in colours that blend with the natural environment. Take pictures, but without disturbing wildlife. Respect local customs.
- Keep a reasonable distance from wild animals, and do not provoke them.
- Dispose waste responsibly: carry back all non-biodegradable litter, and leave campsites litter-free before departing.
- When in a vehicle, remember wild animals have right of way. Keep to the speed limit, don’t use the horn, and do not startle animals.
- Do not talk loudly or play loud music. Do not get out of the vehicle or approach wild animals. Do not approach animals closer than 15 m or disturb them while they are resting.
- Do not take away flora and fauna in the form of cuttings, seeds or roots. Do not feed wild animals. Do not stop the vehicle not more than 5 minutes in the reserve.
- Do not light fires, or smoke inside protected areas. Accidental forest fires cause irreparable damage.
- Carrying guns, fire arms, inflammable materials are strictly prohibited, as per the provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and is punishable by law.
- Obey the instructions of staff and guides.
Protected by Former Poachers
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Thekkady Elephant Safari
Thekkady Elephant Safari
When visiting the renowned grounds of Periyar, explore the lush Spice and Tea plantations on an Elephant's back for an experience of a lifetime.
Thekkady Elephant Safari Packages
When visiting the renowned grounds of Periyar, one just cannot miss the extremely exciting Elephant rides available right within the premises. With lush Spice and Tea plantations covering the entire place, exploring the insides of the magnificent site on an Elephant's back is an experience of a lifetime. When visiting the lovely land of Thekkady, do not miss the exciting ride at any cost. No wonder it is one of the list toppers when it comes to things to do in Thekkady.
Half Hour Program
- 30 Min Ride
One Hour Program
- Elephant Ride
- Timber Dragging
- Elephant Feeding & Photo Session
- Tea or Coffee
One and Half Hour Program
- Elephant Ride
- Elephant Bath & Shower
- Elephant Feeding & Photo Session
- Tea or Coffee
Two Hour Program
- Elephant Ride
- Elephant Bath and Shower
- Elephant Feeding & Photo Session
- Timber Dragging
- Tea or Coffee
Half Day Program
- Elephant Ride
- Elephant Bath and Shower
- Elephant Feeding & Photo Session
- Timber Dragging
- Plantation Study & Cardamom Processing Factory Visit
- Command and Communication
- Tea or Coffee & Snacks
One Day Program
- Elephant Ride
- Jeep safari through Hilly area and Tea Factory visit
- Boating/Hiking Water falls (Bathing and swimming)
- Panoramic view Point
- Elephant Bath and Shower
- Elephant Feeding & Photo Session
- Timber Dragging
- Plantation Study & Cardamom Processing Factory Visit
- Command and Communication
- Tea or Coffee & Snacks
Thekkady Experiences
Immerse yourself in local culture, spice plantations, and authentic Kerala village life.
Jeep Safaries
Unleash your inner adventurer with high-octane 4x4 off-road expeditions through mist-covered peaks, rugged forest boundaries, cascading waterfalls, and scenic hill corridors.
Jeep Safari Thekkady
Rolling through the lush green meadows; Amazing Jeep safaries of Thekkady
Who isn’t fond of Jeep safaris? There are numerous things to do in Thekkady. Apart from the normal stay and site seeing options, going on an off road jeep safari is always an add on to your trip. Imagine taking your loved ones on a bumpy ride in the jungle, and spotting wild animal in a rough and muddy terrain. You will also get a chance to visit to explore the village sceneries and interiors of Kerala through a safari. The rarest species of flora and fauna of Kerala are preserved in its sixteen wildlife sanctuaries spread across Wayanad, Munnar, Periyar etc. If you visit Thekkady or Idukki, there are many iconic spots for safaris. Thousands of tourists come to Thekkady to have jeep safaris along the reserve region and places in the vicinity. Covering the lush green forests, spice gardens, tea plantations and waterfalls, this journey would definitely be an adrenaline rush to you. You have two categories of jeep safaris to choose from. You can either choose a jeep ride with maximum sightseeing exposure or opt for a jungle jeep safari. Some of the best places to choose a safari from, are listed below:-
Sathram
Sathram means ‘the inn’. This used to be the resting spot of Ayyappa devotees on their way to Sabarimala. The off-road safari provided here is pretty famous. The 3 to 3.5 hours of Safari would take you to one of the most underrated location of Thekkady, Sathram. You can opt for customized packages and add on spots like Parunthumpra, Panchalimedu etc with the package. The way towards Sathram is picturesque. A jeep trail runs near edge of Periyar reserve which is especially delightful during the mornings with the misty climate and the greenish meadows. You can spot a number of animals like elephants and bisons in this range of small hills. Located 12 kilometers from Kuttikkanam, the road from Parunthumpara to Sathram is scenic with tea plantations on both sides. You can take a jeep from Hills and Hues and reach Sathram. The best time for a safari is from Early August to February last. If you are a rain lover, feel free to visit Sathram during monsoons when there will be many live waterfalls. With a distance of 25 kilometers, Sathram is pretty reachable from Hills and Hues, the best luxury resort in Thekkady.
Ottakathalamedu
This is one of the less explored places in Idukki. At a distance of 4.5 kilometers from Kumily, there is a breathtaking viewpoint. After travelling about 200 meters from the viewpoint, you will reach the Ottakathalamedu watchtower. The beautiful view is a visual feast with small streams, Kumily city and vegetable farms down the valley. There is a tree house near the point from where you can enjoy an amazing view.
Pandikuzhi
You can visit pandikuzhi on your way from Chellarkovil waterfalls. The sharp right just before the view point is just a beginning of an adventurous safari. The two hour journey is preferably done in small vehicles as the muddy way would be challenging with large vehicles. After passing through a steep slope, you reach a parking area. After parking the car, you may take a short walk to one of the most amazing viewpoint of Kerala. Coupled with beautiful grasslands around, Pandikuzhi is a must visit spot if you are planning a visit near Thekkady.
Chellarkovil & Cumbam Grape Gardens
Located at a distance of 11 kilometers from Kumily, lies in the Kerala Tamilnadu border. The place is known for the beautiful cascade of waterfalls that emerge from Kerala and ends in Tamil Nadu. This cozy village is a special example for ecotourism as all villagers here are. The two hour safari is a unique and is opted by tourists all over the world. If you take a jeep and move to the Tamil Nadu border, it is possible to visit the vegetable farms of Cumbum and Theni, see the canal view and Penstock view. Cumbum is a sleepy town famous for its rich and abundant farms and the freshest fruits and vegetables. Located 492 kilometers from Chennai, the cumbum grape farm is gaining attention year by year for its charming atmosphere and the quality of grapes. Perched between Varusanadu hills, Kodaikanal and Thekkady hills, this place with acres and acres of grapes would literally blow your mind. The golden land of Cumbum is most ideal for farming with the golden sunlight and fertile soil has been cultivated with paddy, vegetables, and pomegranate and mango farms and so on. You can also visit the famous vegetable farms of Theni and purchase fresh vegetables plucked just from the farm. There is the penstock pipe viewpoint from where you will get breathtaking views of the place from an altitude.
Pricing: Starts From ₹1,300 Rupees / Jeep
Parunthumpara Jeep Safari
Parunthumpara — Eagle Rock Off-Road Expedition
Parunthumpara or 'Eagle Rock’ is situated near Peermedu in Idukki district, is a place famed for its pristine natural beauty. A trekker's delight offering a bird's eye view of an endless stretch of green forests and the landscape, Parunthumpara is a favourite of off-beat travellers. And if the sky is clear, the visitors can also get a view of the Sabarimala forests from here.
Parunthumpara, literally meaning eagle's rock, is 6 km away from Peermedu-the famous plantation town in Kerala, on the National Highway 220. Parunthumpara can also be accessible through two main roads in the district; from Nedumbassery-Munnar road and the Kumarakom-Thekkady road. It is among the finest spots to visit when one is in the Thekkady area.
Safari Timings & Details
- Timings: 08:00am – 06:00pm
- Distance: 6 km from Peermedu on National Highway 220
- Highlights: Panoramic Sabarimala forest views, eagle rock rock formation, misty tea estate trails.
Satram Jeep Safari
Sathram Forest Border Safari
Sathram forest border safari near Periyar Tiger Reserve. Forest view on one side and grassland mountains on the other side. This is an off-road adventure safari having good chances of seeing wild animals. Travellers can enjoy wildness and beauty of nature. With a vast area of small hills toppled into one another and carpets of dew drizzled grass, Sathram gets into the list of must go places for travellers all around the world.
Safari Specifications
- Timings: 07:00am – 04:00pm
- Duration: 03:00 Hours
- Vehicle Type: 4x4 Open Jeep
- Highlights: High wildlife spotting chance (Elephants, Gaur, Deer), Periyar border trail.
Panchalimedu Jeep Safari
Panchalimedu — Mystical Legend & Hill Station
The mystical beauty of Panchalimedu in Idukki is as intriguing as the legends associated with it. The place derived its name from Panchali, the devoted wife of the Pandavas from Mahabharata. The lush greenery, clean air and the valleys covered in blankets of mist draw hundreds of tourists from all over the world to Panchalimedu every year.
Panchalimedu, which is situated almost 2,500 ft above the sea level, has a rich history intertwined with the legends of the past. The nearby places of this misty haven have many rock mountains and cascading waterfalls which meander through these rocks. The lush green meadows on the hillocks at Thekkemala is in fact one of the popular tourist destinations in the district. The legend says that the Pandava Brothers had stayed here along with their wife Panchali when they were in exile. It is believed that the tribal people had offered help to the Pandavas during their stay here.
Panchalikulam
According to the legends, the Panchalikulam (pond) was dug by Bhim for his wife Panchali to take her baths. The pond which was once filled with pristine waters is now dry and filled with silt.
Trekking
Panchalimedu is a perfect place for trekking in the state. The beautiful hills and valleys attract hundreds of trekking enthusiasts to enjoy the mesmerising beauty of the nature.
Kurisumala, Temple
The presence of the Holy cross and the Bhuvaneswari temple in the same premises is an amazing instance of the religious harmony. It is believed that the main idol in this temple which is built in the ancient architectural style was gifted by the Pandavas. One can even witness the pious Makaravilakku at Sabarimala from these hills. Hundreds of devotees throng Kurisumala to offer prayers at the Holy cross and conduct pooja at the temple.
Timings: 08:00am – 06:00pm
Gavi Jeep Safari
Gavi Jeep Ride in Periyar Region
Overview
The jeep safari to Gavi, a picturesque slice of forestlands in Pathanamthitta district, is a beautiful off-the-track destination, perfect for a wilderness retreat replete with trekking, birding, canoeing and facilities for boarding. It is a world-acclaimed tourism hub and an unmissable holiday hotspot.
Gavi, which lies close to the Sabarimala Temple, has become a popular adventure hub but is still on the off-the-beaten-track, so one can enjoy many moments of tranquil delight. This biological reserve, with its mosaic of hills and valleys, tropical forests, sprawling grasslands, sholas, cascading waterfalls, and cardamom plantations, is home to an abundance of wildlife.
Why you will love it
- Jeep ride through Gavi forest tracks
- Chance to spot birds and wild animals
- Scenic mountain views
- Trekking
- Birding
- Canoeing
What you will experience
This tour is for an off-road jeep ride and jungle experience. Meals provided will be basic. A land of deep silences, Gavi offers tropical forest scenery and rich flora and fauna. This eco-friendly tour packs in a lot of action with trekking, birding and canoeing opportunities to admire the natural beauty from many different perspectives. The jeep accommodates a maximum of 5 persons. A local guide accompanies all groups.
Detailed Itinerary Schedule
- Morning: Trip starts by 5.30am by open Jeep. Arrives Gavi around 8.00-8.30 AM for registration. Get recharged with a good breakfast. The day starts with a plantation visit helped by a trained guide to fully enjoy the natural beauty of Gavi.
- Noon: From 12.30 Noon, a sumptuous traditional Kerala Sadya awaits your return. After lunch, get ready for an adventurous yet relaxing boat ride. Proceed to the Cardamom Plantation to inhale aromatic whiffs of cardamom and then to the curing house. Sabarimala Viewpoint is the next spot in your itinerary. Later proceed to the local eco-museum.
- Evening: Return to the registration spot after a day full of sightseeing. Indulge yourself with a refreshing tea break before dispersing around 4.30 pm.
Angamoozhy Jungle Safari
Angamoozhy Jungle Safari Experience
A holiday amidst the natural splendour of Thekkady is incomplete without the Angamoozhy Jungle Safari Experience. When staying in Thekkady, you have many options of scenic natural trails. Whether you are a wildlife enthusiast, a nature lover, an amateur wildlife photographer or just an excited traveller, the Angamoozhy Jungle Safari Experience is one that you will cherish.
The Angamoozhy Jungle Safari Experience is a part of the Gavi forest trails. Situated near the Periyar region, Gavi is a natural marvel with amazing treats for the explorer. More than 200 types of birds, 35 mammals, 150 species of butterflies, 140 species of orchids and much more to enthral you. The 50 plus kilometre trail is mostly through forest areas and can be enjoyed in an open jeep. The route is breathtaking with glorious greens adorning every inch of the way.
Start: Kumily / Thekkady 6:00am | End: Kumily / Thekkady 6:00pm
Kumily / Thekkady - Vandiperiyar - Peerumedu - Kuttikkanam - Mundakkayam - Erumely - Angamoozhy - Kochandi check post - Moozhyar Dam - Kakki Dam - View Point - Eco point - Anathodu Dam - Kochu Pampa - Gavi – Pachakanam Vallakkadavu - Vandiperiyar - Kumily / Thekkady.
- Sightseeing Open Jeep
- Entry passes and vehicle permits
- Full time guide
- Breakfast, Lunch, evening tea and snacks
Discover Kerala Beyond the Roads
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Edapalayam Watch Tower
Exclusive 1N/2D wilderness stay for two adults. Arrive at Tribal Heritage office at 1:00 PM; includes boat transfers, short treks, birding, and all meals.
Meesapulimala Trek & Stays
Ascend the 2nd highest peak in the Western Ghats via Rhodo Valley. Experience cloud-top camping, mountain cottages, and campfire nights.
Brahmagiri Peak Trekking
Ascend to the Kerala-Karnataka border through dense shola woodlands and mountain trails. Rewards trekkers with aerial views of Nilgiri Hills and Iruppu Falls.
Kattukunnu Anachola
Trek to Kattukunnu hills in Banasuramala, featuring the 3-tiered Meenmutty cascading waterfall located 2,500 feet above sea level near Banasura Sagar Dam.
Churathala Waterfall Trek
Navigate pristine tropical evergreen rainforests in the Chimmony area leading to the mesmerizing Churathala Waterfalls. A paradise for birdwatching and photography.
Athirappilly–Vazhachal Trail
Explore well-maintained riparian trails connecting South India's grandest waterfalls. Observe Malabar giant squirrels, hornbills, and scenic flora.
Visit Us in Thekkady
We are stationed at Kumily, Thekkady — right at the gateway to Periyar. Drop by our office for gear assistance, trip bookings, and customized trekking itineraries.
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